On August 25, 1992, an Air Tractor AT-301 (registration N4334S) operated by Pro-agri Spraying was involved in an aviation accident near Lubbock, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to attempt a downwind takeoff from a short dirt strip, which resulted in insufficient climb performance and impact with obstacles. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
The pilot attempted a downwind takeoff from a short dirt runway after a wind shift, resulting in insufficient climb performance and impact with a fence and vegetation.
What happened
The pilot had been operating out of a 2,100-foot dirt strip for two consecutive days with the prevailing winds coming from the south. As the pilot was preparing to depart, the wind shifted direction, prompting an attempt at a downwind takeoff. The aircraft failed to gain sufficient altitude to clear obstacles located at the departure end of the runway. Consequently, the aircraft impacted a fence and high vegetation.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the operational conditions during the departure phase. It was determined that the short runway length combined with the adverse wind conditions contributed to the inability to achieve adequate climb performance.
Probable cause
The pilot's decision to attempt a downwind takeoff from a short dirt strip, which resulted in insufficient climb performance and impact with obstacles.